Music
Press
“Alexander attempts the profound…this is an exquisitely constructed album (Despite Everything You’ve Planned), which promises good things to come from the artist.”
-Jon Berger (Editor of Urban Folk Magazine) - Urban Folk Magazine
“Alexander attempts the profound…this is an exquisitely constructed album (Despite Everything You’ve Planned), which promises good things to come from the artist.”
-Jon Berger (Editor of Urban Folk Magazine) - Urban Folk Magazine
Taking on New York’s singer/songwriter scene full steam, Indiana University alum Paul Alexander brought his Midwestern storytelling sensibility to the big city, opening an open mic night and co-founding Urban Folk, an East Village music ’zine. Supporting his cheerful and honest pop-folk album, Despite Everything You’ve Planned, Alexander returns home for a gig at Birdy’s Bar & Grill Wednesday, April 4 with the Todd Carey Band, the Burning Sensations and Kevin Mohl, and at the Abbey Coffeehouse Friday, April 6.
-Leslie Benson (Music Editor of NUVO – Indy’s Weekly Alternative Newspaper) - NUVO - Indy's Weekly Alternative Newspaper)
Taking on New York’s singer/songwriter scene full steam, Indiana University alum Paul Alexander brought his Midwestern storytelling sensibility to the big city, opening an open mic night and co-founding Urban Folk, an East Village music ’zine. Supporting his cheerful and honest pop-folk album, Despite Everything You’ve Planned, Alexander returns home for a gig at Birdy’s Bar & Grill Wednesday, April 4 with the Todd Carey Band, the Burning Sensations and Kevin Mohl, and at the Abbey Coffeehouse Friday, April 6.
-Leslie Benson (Music Editor of NUVO – Indy’s Weekly Alternative Newspaper) - NUVO - Indy's Weekly Alternative Newspaper)
Paul Alexander is a talented singer, songwriter, and musician from New York. Alexander's first full release, 'Despite Everything You've Planned,' could best be described as good drivin' music. I plan on taking the CD with me on my next cross country road trip from NY to LA.
'Despite Everything' is an honest effort refreshing in its sincerity. Alexander's characteristic uplifting beats, inspirational lyrics, and catchy choruses are reminiscent of Counting Crow's Adam Duritz.
The album contains introspective lyrical content ripe with poetic virtuosity and romantic inclinations. Alexander takes us back to those fond days of yesteryear when artists and performers actually gave a damn about producing a well constructed, viable piece of artistry as opposed to mindless pop meanderings.
I could not be happier that the Britneysaur and others like her, teeter on the brink of extinction. The Prosti-tots have run their course and it is my hope that this soulless, brain dead species will be replaced by a soulful, intelligent one; troubadours born to get out on stage with a guitar and a repertoire of songs written on napkins, sales receipts, etc., pouring out rot gut lyrics. True artists with something to say and a unique voice to say it with, will bring the importance of words and the craft of well written verse back to the world of music.
Paul Alexander has just scratched the surface of his talent. I'm interested in following his career to see how he continues to grow and evolve as an artist. I would like more in terms of substantial material from Alexander and I do not doubt that his body of work will deepen as time goes on. 'Despite Everything' should be celebrated as a successful release that the singer/songwriter can be proud of.
-Marla Mitchell (Eclectic Ink E-zine) - Eclectic Ink E-zine
Paul Alexander is a talented singer, songwriter, and musician from New York. Alexander's first full release, 'Despite Everything You've Planned,' could best be described as good drivin' music. I plan on taking the CD with me on my next cross country road trip from NY to LA.
'Despite Everything' is an honest effort refreshing in its sincerity. Alexander's characteristic uplifting beats, inspirational lyrics, and catchy choruses are reminiscent of Counting Crow's Adam Duritz.
The album contains introspective lyrical content ripe with poetic virtuosity and romantic inclinations. Alexander takes us back to those fond days of yesteryear when artists and performers actually gave a damn about producing a well constructed, viable piece of artistry as opposed to mindless pop meanderings.
I could not be happier that the Britneysaur and others like her, teeter on the brink of extinction. The Prosti-tots have run their course and it is my hope that this soulless, brain dead species will be replaced by a soulful, intelligent one; troubadours born to get out on stage with a guitar and a repertoire of songs written on napkins, sales receipts, etc., pouring out rot gut lyrics. True artists with something to say and a unique voice to say it with, will bring the importance of words and the craft of well written verse back to the world of music.
Paul Alexander has just scratched the surface of his talent. I'm interested in following his career to see how he continues to grow and evolve as an artist. I would like more in terms of substantial material from Alexander and I do not doubt that his body of work will deepen as time goes on. 'Despite Everything' should be celebrated as a successful release that the singer/songwriter can be proud of.
-Marla Mitchell (Eclectic Ink E-zine) - Eclectic Ink E-zine
“Paul Alexander opened the Birdy’s acoustic stage with a solo acoustic performance. His clear voice and well-crafted songs entertained the audience. Proof? Another band managed to set up while he played, and nobody seemed distracted or bored. A few folks were asking where he came from as the set wrapped up — exactly what a new artist could hope for.”
-Sweaty B. (Columnist at IndianapolisMusic.Net)
- IndianapolisMusic.Net
“Paul Alexander opened the Birdy’s acoustic stage with a solo acoustic performance. His clear voice and well-crafted songs entertained the audience. Proof? Another band managed to set up while he played, and nobody seemed distracted or bored. A few folks were asking where he came from as the set wrapped up — exactly what a new artist could hope for.”
-Sweaty B. (Columnist at IndianapolisMusic.Net)
- IndianapolisMusic.Net
“I think your songs and voice are great.”
-Scott Cohen (Founder and VP International of The Orchard - digital distributing)
- The Orchard - digital distributing
“I think your songs and voice are great.”
-Scott Cohen (Founder and VP International of The Orchard - digital distributing)
- The Orchard - digital distributing
“This is really outstanding work, Paul. I enjoyed listening and I want to hear more. The vocal performance is emotionally honest and very appealing. The lyrics are conversational and natural with enough little twists to keep surprising the listener…fresh yet natural sounding. You have a lot going for you!”
-Taxi A&R - Taxi A&R
“This is really outstanding work, Paul. I enjoyed listening and I want to hear more. The vocal performance is emotionally honest and very appealing. The lyrics are conversational and natural with enough little twists to keep surprising the listener…fresh yet natural sounding. You have a lot going for you!”
-Taxi A&R - Taxi A&R
“You (Paul Alexander) have got it, what ever it is.”
-Roger Ingram (Executive at 92.3 WTTS of Indianapolis, Indiana)
- 92.3 WTTS
“You (Paul Alexander) have got it, what ever it is.”
-Roger Ingram (Executive at 92.3 WTTS of Indianapolis, Indiana)
- 92.3 WTTS
Discography
Paul's first release "Despite Everything You've Planned" was released in October 2006, and has already sold several hundred copies both at shows and online at CDBaby and on iTunes.
Photos
Bio
Bio:
Named after Paul Simon, raised on James Taylor, transformed by Nirvana, Paul Alexander’s diverse heritage is clear in his thoughtful and imaginative narratives. Playing guitar since he was thirteen and singing as soon as he could speak, Paul almost immediately started writing and has never stopped.
High school bands led to Indiana University's Tintern Abbey, one of the featured bands on 2002 “Live from Bloomington” CD compilation. After four years fronting Tintern Abbey, Paul graduated into his current stage as a solo artist. Paul's commanding stage presence and lyrical savvy combines electrifying songwriting in the rock, funk and folk idioms, creating a most eclectic patchwork sound. But having achieved powerful lyrical and vocal chops is not enough; Paul Alexander aspires to make his own distinct mark on the world.
Since arriving in New York in August of 2003, Paul Alexander has been seeking his niche in the city’s noteworthy music scene. After exploring showcases and open mics across the city, Paul quickly became a fixture of several prestigious New York City clubs, including CB’s 313 and the Knitting Factory. He was invited several times to participate in the Midwest Music Summit showcases and was frequently asked to guest host a groundbreaking New York City open mic at the thriving Upper East Side locale DTUT. Increasingly, audiences, fellow songwriters, and music industry reps were singing Paul's praises, as well as his infectious songs.
In January 2007, he was the cover story in the illustrious East Village acoustic music publication, Urban Folk, and has become a columnist for the paper. This is just one of the ways he has given back to the New York musical scene. Paul Alexander is celebrating the second anniversary of his own weekly open mic in the blossoming Long Island City, offering fellow performers a chance to share even more of their talent as part of weekly showcases he books.
Among other endeavors (briefly hosting a Sunday Starbucks Music Series in Brooklyn, supporting fellow musicians on 12-string guitar), Paul Alexander and his new band continue to regularly play NYC clubs such as the Baggot Inn, the Knitting Factory, Pianos, and the Living Room. Paul recently released Despite Everything You’ve Planned, his debut album, produced by Benjy King and mastering engineer Scott Hull , while under the tutelage of celebrated vocal coach Don Lawrence. Evermore optimistic for what tomorrow holds, Paul Alexander is anxious to share his newest material and musical collaborations with the world – and beyond…
Influences:
Counting Crows, Ani DiFranco, Ben Folds, Blind Melon, Live, Nirvana Bob Schneider, Duncan Sheik, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and U2
Feedback:
“I think your songs and voice are great. I think you should be contacting labels.”
-Scott Cohen (Founder and VP International of The Orchard - digital distributing)
“Despite Everything You’ve Planned is an honest effort refreshing in its sincerity.”
-Marla Mitchell (Eclectic Ink E-zine)
“Despite Everything You’ve Planned is a cheerful and honest pop-folk album.”
-Leslie Benson (Music Editor of NUVO – Indy’s Weekly Alternative Newspaper)
“Alexander attempts the profound…this is an exquisitely constructed album (Despite Everything You’ve Planned), which promises good things to come from the artist.”
-Jon Berger (Editor of Urban Folk Magazine)
“This is really outstanding work, Paul. I enjoyed listening and I want to hear more. The vocal performance is emotionally honest and very appealing. The lyrics are conversational and natural with enough little twists to keep surprising the listener…fresh yet natural sounding. You have a lot going for you!”
-Taxi A&R
“Great title! (Despite Everything You’ve Planned)”
-Glen Phillips (of Toad the Wet Sprocket)
“You (Paul Alexander) can sing. You’ve got the chops to do it — you’ve just got to trust yourself.”
-Don Lawrence (World Renowned Vocal Coach)
“I enjoyed his music very much.”
-Dan Herman (Radio Crystal Blue of New York City)
“A compelling new singer/songwriter.”
-Michael McHugh (Bookings at the C-Note of New York City)
“A talented and accomplished singer/songwriter.”
-Donald O’Finn (Bookings at Freddy’s Bar and Backroom of Brooklyn, New York)
“It’s refreshing to hear an inspiring sound & spirit…your (Paul Alexander) presence and songwriting abilities have a glowing brilliance and your sound is distinct and magnetic.”
-Anna Kaufman (New York Singer/Songwriter)
“I got caught-up in the Paul Alexander vortex.”
-Alice Bierhorst (New York Singer/Songwriter)
“He’s a real sweetheart.”
-Amy Hills (New York Singer/Songwriter)
“Paul Alexander is probably best defined by how deep his musical pockets are; which run the gamut from Guthrie inspired folk roots from the middle of the last century to the rawer, gutsier Rock and Americana-based songs of today. Pound for pound, Paul can tackle them all which
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